Diary of a Cat Mom

By Dagmar Gatell — Creator & Host of Diary of a Cat Mom

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats. Based on real experiences caring for over 50 cats throughout her life, each episode shares quiet observations, emotional moments, caregiving reflections, and gentle insights from everyday life with cats. From routines, behavior, and emotional wellbeing to grief, gratitude, overstimulation, trust, and the small meaningful moments many people overlook — this is not a traditional “how-to” podcast, but a space for understanding, awareness, and lived experience. Beyond cat care itself, Diary of a Cat Mom also explores our connection to nature, emotional presence, personal growth, and the way our inner state can influence the animals who share our lives. Because living with cats is never only about feeding and routines — it’s also about energy, safety, trust, patience, and how we show up emotionally in the spaces we create together. Created for cat lovers who see their cats as family, this podcast offers companionship, reassurance, perspective, and emotional support during seasons of caregiving, uncertainty, healing, change, and letting go. Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal storytelling podcast and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and medical or behavioral concerns should always be discussed with a trusted veterinarian or qualified professional. You’re not alone on this journey.We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.

  1. 1d ago

    Gifts for a Cat Mom I Don't Want Anymore | Cat Mom Life | Ep. 115

    When I first became a cat mom, I loved receiving cat-themed gifts. Every mug, shirt, bag, and decoration made me smile because it celebrated something I loved so much. Over the years, though, I realized something had changed. Some gifts no longer reflected my values, while others simply became things I already had too many of. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share the cat gifts I no longer want and why my perspective has changed after living with cats for many years. Sometimes growing as a cat mom also means becoming more intentional about the things we bring into our cats' lives—and our own. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why my favorite cat gifts changed over timeThe cat toys I no longer feel comfortable giving my catsWhy safety matters more than noveltyWhy personalized gifts feel more meaningful to me todayHow my values as a cat mom have evolvedTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 Why I don't want the same cat gifts anymore00:42 When cat-themed presents stopped feeling special01:20 Why I avoid toys made with real feathers or fur02:10 Cheap cat toys that became a safety concern02:58 Why I don't need another cat mug03:22 Cat gadgets I no longer trust03:45 Final thoughts & question for fellow cat parentsThis is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. Make a Bigger Difference. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand and care for their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Passionate Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents, build trust in your brand, and support educational content that helps cats and the people who love them. → Learn More About Podcast Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

    4 min
  2. 1d ago

    Cat Furniture Creates a Homey Feeling | What My Cats Taught Me About Cat Enrichment | Ep. 114

    When I bought my first cat tree, I thought I was simply buying another piece of furniture. Years later, I realized something much deeper. Every cat tree, hammock, scratcher, and cozy bed helped my rescue cats feel like they truly belonged. Their furniture became part of their safe space—a little home inside our home. In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, I share how my perspective changed and why creating familiar spaces may help indoor cats feel more secure and relaxed. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why cat furniture is more than just decorationHow familiar spaces help cats feel safeWhy enrichment is about creating a home, not buying more thingsThe lesson my rescue cats taught me about belongingTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 My first cat tree felt like just another purchase00:28 Watching my cats make it their own00:58 My realization: cat furniture creates a home01:36 Creating a peaceful home for our catsThis is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. Make a Bigger Difference. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand and care for their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Passionate Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents, build trust in your brand, and support educational content that helps cats and the people who love them. → Learn More About Podcast Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

    2 min
  3. 1d ago

    How to Train a Cat with Commands | Patience, Consistency & Trust | Ep. 113

    Can you really train a cat? Many people believe cats cannot be trained, but I've discovered that they absolutely can—just not the way we often expect. In this episode of the Diary of a Cat Mom podcast, I share how one of my cats taught me that training isn't about control. It's about building trust, creating routines, and being patient enough to let learning happen over time. By using simple commands, positive reinforcement, and consistent consequences, my cat slowly learned when it was time to come inside from the backyard. More importantly, I learned that changing my own expectations was just as important as teaching her. If you've ever wondered whether your cat can learn commands, this episode is for you. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why cats can learn simple commandsHow positive reinforcement builds trustWhy consistency matters more than perfectionHow consequences can create predictable routinesWhy patience is often the biggest lesson for cat momsTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 Can you really train a cat?00:23 Why I wanted my cat to respond to commands00:56 Teaching the "Come" command with treats01:41 Building routines with "inside" and "outside"02:26 My biggest realization about patience03:03 The lesson my cat taught meThis is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. Make a Bigger Difference. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand and care for their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Passionate Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents, build trust in your brand, and support educational content that helps cats and the people who love them. → Learn More About Podcast Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

    3 min
  4. 2d ago

    How to Use Catnip With Cats | How My Cats Discovered Its Magic | Ep. 112

    Have you ever wondered how to use catnip with your cat? When I first became a cat mom, I bought a bag of catnip from the grocery store because I had heard cats loved it. My cats completely ignored it. Years later, I discovered that not all catnip is the same. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share how finding a higher-quality catnip completely changed the experience for my cats—from encouraging scratching and play to creating peaceful moments of relaxation. I also share how I used catnip while helping community cats and why it became one of my favorite forms of enrichment. Every cat is different. I'm simply sharing what worked for my cats and me. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why some cats ignore catnipThe difference quality can makeDifferent ways cats respond to catnipHow I use catnip for enrichmentWhy catnip became part of our daily lifeTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 – My first experience with catnip00:45 – Discovering that catnip quality matters01:35 – How each of my rescue cats reacted differently02:30 – Using catnip to help community cats feel comfortable03:10 – Why catnip became one of my favorite enrichment tools🌿 Products I Mention in This Episode Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Diary of a Cat Mom. 💛🐾 From The Field Fine Ground Stalkless Catnip (10 oz) After trying several brands, this is the freshest and most affordable catnip I've found. My rescue cats respond to it much more than the grocery store brands I tried when I first became a cat mom. I like to sprinkle it on scratching pads, scratching beds, blankets, or toys when: 🐾 we're home from a vet visit and they need help relaxing🐾 one cat seems tense and I want to redirect their attention🐾 I want to encourage scratching or play🐾 I simply want to give them a little extra enrichmentEvery cat is different, but this has become one of my favorite ways to create happy moments for my cats. 💛🐾 This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. Make a Bigger Difference. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand and care for their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Passionate Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents, build trust in your brand, and support educational content that helps cats and the people who love them. → Learn More About Podcast Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

    4 min
  5. 3d ago

    How to Prevent Cat Fights in a Multi-Cat Home | Cat Behavior | Ep. 111

    When I rescued two young cat boys from different litters, I imagined they'd become best friends and keep each other entertained. Instead, they became territorial and constantly challenged each other. I felt stressed, disappointed, and worried every time I heard hissing across the house. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share the simple changes that helped reduce the tension between them—and the surprising lesson I learned about my own role in creating a calmer home. If you're dealing with conflict between your indoor cats, I hope my experience gives you a few ideas to try. What You'll Learn in this Cat Podcast Episode Why young cats don't automatically become friendsHow vertical space reduced the tension in my homeWhy interrupting fights early worked better than waitingHow praise and treats changed the atmosphereThe unexpected way my own emotions influenced my catsTimestamps & Chapters 00:00 I thought they would become best friends00:56 The warning signs before every fight01:43 Creating more territory with vertical space02:28 Interrupting the fights before they escalated03:08 Eating together with supervision03:48 The biggest realization: I became calmer tooThis is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. Make a Bigger Difference. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand and care for their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Passionate Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents, build trust in your brand, and support educational content that helps cats and the people who love them. → Learn More About Podcast Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

    4 min
  6. 5d ago

    DIY Cat Enrichment Ideas: Live Cat TV on a Budget | Cat Enrichment | Ep. 110

    Have you ever noticed your cat staring out the window for hours? Mine did... and it made me realize something. No toy I bought could compete with what was happening outside. In this podcast episode of Diary of a Cat Mom, I share how I accidentally created my own version of "live Cat TV" using simple bird feeders, fresh water, and even wildflowers that appeared on their own. The best part? It doesn't have to cost a lot. If you're looking for inexpensive ways to keep your indoor cat mentally stimulated, reduce boredom, and encourage natural hunting instincts, I hope my experience gives you a few ideas to try. Every cat is different. I'm simply sharing what has worked wonderfully for my cats and me. ❤️🐾 What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why watching nature can be more engaging for many cats than another new toy.How I created inexpensive "live Cat TV" that keeps my cats mentally stimulated.A simple bird feeder trick that helps reduce the cost of feeding visiting birds.How a water bowl and unexpected wildflowers attracted even more wildlife for my cats to enjoy.Why enriching your cat's environment can help reduce boredom while creating more peaceful moments for both you and your furry family members.Key Takeaways Why watching nature can be one of the best forms of enrichment for indoor cats.How a simple water bowl became endless entertainment.An inexpensive trick that keeps bird feeders affordable.How unexpected wildflowers attracted even more wildlife for the cats to watch.Why mental stimulation can help reduce boredom and unwanted behaviors.Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Creating Your Own Cat TV on a Budget 00:27 Why My Cats Needed More Enrichment 01:00 Discovering the Magic of Live Cat TV 01:42 A Budget-Friendly Bird Feeder Trick 02:32 An Unexpected Gift from Nature 02:58 Happier Cats Through Simple Enrichment 03:10 What Do Your Cats Love Watching? This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. Make a Bigger Difference. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand and care for their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Passionate Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents, build trust in your brand, and support educational content that helps cats and the people who love them. → Learn More About Podcast Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

    3 min
  7. Jul 6

    How Do I Regulate My Nervous System? What My Cats Taught Me | Cat Mom Life | Ep. 109

    Have you ever looked back at a stressful moment and realized you reacted completely differently than you would have years ago? That's exactly what happened to me when one of my cats knocked plates and cat food all over my kitchen. Instead of frustration, I felt...peace. That simple moment made me wonder what had changed. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I share how learning about a dysregulated nervous system helped me understand my own emotional reactions, and how my rescue cats have quietly become my greatest teachers in staying calm and emotionally balanced. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by everyday situations, I hope my story reminds you that change is possible—one small moment at a time. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Why everyday situations can feel overwhelming when your nervous system is dysregulated.The surprising lesson a simple kitchen accident taught me about emotional growth.How our cats may reflect our own emotional state through their behavior.Daily practices that have helped me become calmer, including tummy breathing, Kabbalah, and listening to 528 Hz music.Why regulating ourselves may help create a more peaceful home for both us and our cats.How small moments can reveal just how much we've grown over time.Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 A Different Reaction 00:32 Looking Back at Who I Used to Be 00:58 The Aha Moment About My Nervous System 01:40 How My Cats Became My Mirror 02:18 What Helps Me Stay Calm 02:46 Question for You This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. Make a Bigger Difference. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand and care for their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Passionate Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents, build trust in your brand, and support educational content that helps cats and the people who love them. → Learn More About Podcast Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

    3 min
  8. Jul 5

    DNA Test for Cats: Beyond Cat Breed Results | Cat Health | Ep. 108

    Can a DNA test tell you about your cat's future health? After a conversation about pet insurance with a friend, I started wondering whether there was any way to prepare for possible health issues before they happen. In this Diary of a Cat Mom podcast episode, I explore how cat DNA testing may reveal cat breed information that could point to potential genetic health risks. While it can't predict the future, it may help cat parents make informed decisions about preventive care, insurance, and long-term planning. I'd also love to hear your experiences if you've ever tested your cat's DNA. What You'll Learn In This Cat Podcast Episode Can a DNA test predict your cat's future health?What a cat DNA test can—and can't—tell you.How breed information may reveal potential health risks.Why planning ahead may give you more options.My biggest realization about preparing for my cats' future. 🐾💛Timestamps & Chapters 00:00 Can a DNA test predict your cat's future health? 00:30 A conversation about pet insurance sparked a new question. 01:10 How DNA tests may reveal more than your cat's breed. 01:55 Using breed information to prepare for possible health risks. 02:38 My biggest realization: We may not be able to predict the future, but we can prepare for it. 03:08 Have you ever done a DNA test for your cat? I'd love to hear your experience. This is where I’ve gathered everything that supports me and my cats: https://diaryofacatmom.com/cat-care-resources/ About the Diary of a Cat Mom Podcast Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal cat podcast created by Dagmar Gatell, sharing real moments from life with cats. Everything shared comes from lived experience as a cat mom and is not intended as professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and for health concerns, it’s always best to consult your trusted veterinarian. Help More Cat Parents. Make a Bigger Difference. 🐾💕 Share your knowledge, experience, and story to help cat parents better understand and care for their cats. → Learn More About Becoming a Guest https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-guest-package Connect with Passionate Cat Parents. 🐾🐱 Reach an engaged community of cat parents, build trust in your brand, and support educational content that helps cats and the people who love them. → Learn More About Podcast Sponsorship https://stan.store/fromhereai/p/podcast-sponsor-package

    3 min

About

Diary of a Cat Mom is a reflective cat podcast created and hosted by Dagmar Gatell about understanding cats more deeply — and creating a calmer, more connected life for both you and your cats. Based on real experiences caring for over 50 cats throughout her life, each episode shares quiet observations, emotional moments, caregiving reflections, and gentle insights from everyday life with cats. From routines, behavior, and emotional wellbeing to grief, gratitude, overstimulation, trust, and the small meaningful moments many people overlook — this is not a traditional “how-to” podcast, but a space for understanding, awareness, and lived experience. Beyond cat care itself, Diary of a Cat Mom also explores our connection to nature, emotional presence, personal growth, and the way our inner state can influence the animals who share our lives. Because living with cats is never only about feeding and routines — it’s also about energy, safety, trust, patience, and how we show up emotionally in the spaces we create together. Created for cat lovers who see their cats as family, this podcast offers companionship, reassurance, perspective, and emotional support during seasons of caregiving, uncertainty, healing, change, and letting go. Diary of a Cat Mom is a personal storytelling podcast and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Every cat is unique, and medical or behavioral concerns should always be discussed with a trusted veterinarian or qualified professional. You’re not alone on this journey.We’re learning, loving, and growing together — one paw print at a time.